When Disneyland opened in 1955, Walt Disney premiered the attraction Canal Boats of the World. The attraction was based upon the many colorful barges Walt had traveled upon during his many trips to Europe. The attraction that was fraught with problems and became not-so-affectionately known as the Mud Bank Ride because there was nothing to really look at. It closed only two months later.

In 1956, the Storybook Land Canal Boats reopened and since then the attraction has been providing Disneyland guests with a seven-minute cruise into a miniature world of Disney animated classics aboard 12-person boats named after female characters from Disney films. (The exception is the boat named, “Flower,” which is named after a boy skunk in Bambi.) Each boat is driven by a guide who explains each of the scenes along the canal.

Throughout the years, new scenes have been added and today children and adults alike love seeing the miniature homes, buildings, and scenes from fairy tale classics built with incredible detail to a 1/12 scale. Guests can see scenes from the Three Little Pigs, Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Aladdin, Pinocchio, The Little Mermaid, Cinderella, Frozen and more.

This is one of my favorite attractions because I love watching the looks on my children’s faces as they watch the famous scenes go by and the thrill they get riding on the boat. It is an attraction that is uniquely Disney, and what I believe to be one of the attractions that captures the essence, imagination, and magic of Disneyland. I also adore this attraction because of the great opportunities to take really fantastic photos and the fact that it is a different experience depending upon when you ride it. True fans know that you need to experience it during the day, at night and at holiday time during the day and at night.

Fun Fact:The oldest living tree at the Disneyland Resort is a Mugho Pine that is only two feet tall and more than 150 years old. Next time you visit, be sure to ask your host or hostess aboard the attraction to point it out to you.

Best Time to Ride:This attraction closes approximately 60 minutes before each parade. Watch the day’s parade near “it’s a small world” and then head straight over to the attraction once it passes by. When the attraction reopens, your wait will be much shorter than any other time the rest of the day!

Editor’s Note: This post was originally posted in 2011 and updated in 2017.

While planning a Southern California vacation, it’s natural to have visions of sunshine and short sleeves. When days are filled with gray clouds, do not fret; most attractions remain open when it rains. Some attractions with outdoor tracks, parades and outdoor shows may close, but there are still plenty of indoor attractions and activities to stay busy.

Please note that because this is a “reference” post and not a “time sensitive” or “news-related” post, we do not discuss which attractions or shows may be temporarily closed for remodeling or refurbishment. This post is intended to provide solid visitor information and tips for many months or even years. Should an attraction listed in this post be permanently closed, we will update the post as needed.

Getting from here to there

(Please note that the transportation attractions listed below may close in the case of heavy rain.)

On rainy days, my family and I board the Disneyland Railroad at Disneyland Park and use it as transportation around the Magic Kingdom. (This attraction is closed until 2017.) The train stops at Main Street, U.S.A.; New Orleans Square; Toontown and Tomorrowland, which allows us to go from land to land without getting too terribly wet.

Over in Disney California Adventure Park, the Red Car Trolley provides transportation from the entrance of the park on Buena Vista Street down Buena Vista with stops at Carthay Circle (the end of Buena Vista Street), Hollywood Boulevard (near the Animation Building) and Sunset Boulevard at The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror.

If you are staying at the Disneyland Hotel or Paradise Pier Hotel, you can utilize transportation to and from Disneyland via the Monorail and its depot in Downtown Disney.

Places to escape the rain in Disneyland

The Disneyland Story presenting Great Moments with Mr. Lincoln on Main Street is a great refuge from the rain. Start out by visiting the latest exhibit in Disney Gallery next door and then enter the pre-show lobby area and learn more about Disneyland and Disney art. The show itself is about 15 minutes. The lobby area also offers a great space for little ones to stretch their legs and roam about out of confines of their strollers.

Sleeping Beauty Castle walkthrough in Fantasyland

Starcade (an arcade) in Tomorrowland can be a fun place to get away from the rain. Please note that this space is often converted for exhibits, which are still great to enjoy when it is raining.

The Magic Eye Theater in Tomorrowland offers extended previews of the latest Disney movies before they hit theaters. Previews are much longer than regular trailers and are often accompanied by props or production note exhibits. The Star Wars compilation movie being shown right now is a MUST for Star Wars fans.

The Main Street Cinema on Main Street is always showing Mickey’s favorite cartoons.

The Penny Arcade on Main Street offers fun amusements away from the rain.

Many indoor attractions (rides) have queues that are mostly outdoors but if it isn’t a crowded day, you should be waiting mostly indoors for attractions like Pirates of the Carribbean, Space Mountain, Star Tours, Buzz Lightyear’s Astro Blasters, and several of the Fantasyland dark rides.

Mickey and Minnie’s houses are also great to visit when it rains, although Minnie’s house is quite small and doesn’t provide for much respite. Mickey’s house include a meet-and-greet with Mickey, making it the perfect place to get a photo with the big guy when then weather is bad.

Places to Eat Indoors at Disneyland that Don’t Require Reservations

If you don’t have reservations (or the budget) for an indoor, table service restaurant, there are plenty of options for indoor dining while visiting Disneyland Park.

Plaza Inn Restaurant on Main Street has a lovely indoor dining room. We always have an amazing time when we eat there. The food is delicious and the service is outstanding.

Tomorrowland Terrace (aka Galactic Grill) in Tomorrowland is an outdoor quick service restaurant with covered, outdoor seating. It serves tasty Star Wars-themed burgers, sandwiches and salads. It isn’t ideal if there is wind with the rain or really cold.

Rancho del Zocalo in Frontierland has outdoor covered seating. The Mexican food at this quick serve restaurant is served and paid for indoors.

The Golden Horseshoe in Frontierland offers indoor quick-serve meals and yummy ice cream treats. The menu is limited, but any time you can dine and enjoy a show, it’s worth it! (And you seriously cannot beat the chili fries; they are big enough to share and one of the park’s best deals at less than $5!)

The Stage Door Cafe is located next to The Golden Horseshoe; it is very easy to grab your food and take it next door to eat. The menu includes corndogs and chicken fingers.

The Village Haus in Fantasyland has a large indoor dining room and serves pizzas and hamburgers.

The Animation Building is brings together three fun family experiences under one roof. It includes The Animation Academy where a real Disney artist teaches guests how to draw Disney characters, Turtle Talk with Crush—an interactive experience in which guests can talk with the world’s most famous turtle, and the Sorcerers’ Workshop—a hands-on exhibit in which guests or all ages can learn how animated characters come to life. This exhibit can easily keep a family dry in doors for at least an hour–even longer.

Like Disneyland, many attractions indoor attractions have queues that are mostly outdoors but if it isn’t a crowded day, you should be waiting mostly indoors for attractions like Soaring Over California, Ariel’s Undersea Adventure and The Twilight Zone Tower of Terror. Most attractions have some sort of cover over the queue, even if it is open to the elements otherwise.

Just like at Disneyland, if you don’t have reservations (or the budget) for an indoor, table service restaurant, here are your options for a quick-serve meal where you can stay warm and dry.

Smokejumpers Grill offers a variety of hamburgers, sandwiches and salads with a large indoor dining room.

Flo’s V8 Cafe offers a lot of indoor dining space and serves great American diner classics for breakfast, lunch and dinner. For a special rainy day treat, sit in the part of the dining room that faces Radiator Springs Racers and you’ll get to watch the rain come down on the mountain range through the restaurant’s panoramic windows.

Award Wieners is an outdoor quick-serve restaurant that serves hot dogs and sausages. It has a small outdoor (covered) dining area next to the service windows. It is a good option if you are in a pinch, but seating may not be completely dry and is limited.

Other tips for rainy days at Disneyland and Disney California Adventure

Bring ponchos or rain coats and umbrellas large enough to share. Ponchos and umbrellas are available for purchase, but they are much more expensive than you would pay for them outside the parks. Don’t forget that if you are staying in a hotel in the area and don’t have rain gear with you, there is a Target about one mile from Disneyland. Click here to read more about it.

Wear rain boots or bring a change of shoes. In really bad rain, I have seen standing water on Main Street become quite high.

If you cancel your Disneyland trip because of rain and decide you will go the following day instead, be forewarned: many other people are thinking the same thing and the park will be more crowded than in normally would have been because of all of the guests who delayed their visit due to weather.

If you are traveling with a baby or toddler, the Baby Care Centers are an ideal place to get out of the rain and take care of all of your child’s needs–from diaper changing to feeding and warming up food.

The best part of a rainy day is that it is always less crowded (even during a busy times of the year), so if you don’t mind getting wet and the cancellation of some of the shows and closure of some of the outdoor attractions, it is hands down a really great day to visit! And trust me when I tell you that there is still plenty to do even if a few things must close!

The Disneyland Resort provided me complimentary admission and meal vouchers so that I could update this pot in March 2016.

The Disneyland Resort’s Diamond Celebration will surely dazzle guests from rope drop to closing many most exciting activities will take place after the sun goes down. With the new nighttime shows set to debut on May 22nd the late nights may pose some challenges for parents with young children. There’s so much to see and do that careful planning and preparation is going to be essential. In order to help parents maximize their time and experience all that the nighttime spectaculars have to offer we at the Babes in Disneyland Blog have some helpful tips.

Tip 1: Know Before You Go

Websites such as the Babes in Disneyland Blog and Disneyland Resort official site are excellent sources of information. When planning a trip both of these websites used in conjunction will not only help guests understand what is being offered, but also when it will be offered. In order to make the most of your day we highly recommend doing your research and making an itinerary.

The Disneyland Resort website generally posts the entertainment with dates and time at least 60 days from today’s date. As an example, if you’re traveling on May 23rd the Disneyland Forever fireworks showtime is scheduled for 9:30 p.m. and the Paint the Night Parade has two scheduled times one at 8:50 p.m. and the other at 11:00 p.m.

With so much to do and see guests may consider staying one or even two nights in order to see all of the sparkling new shows. While we realize that staying overnight might not be an option for some an alternative might be to arrive at the parks later in the day (after nap time) in order to see as many of the evening entertainment offerings as possible. Given the timing of the shows at both the Disneyland Resort and Disney’s California Adventure park- seeing all of the shows in one night is close to impossible for parents with young children (especially if your kiddos normally have an early bedtime and have spent the entire day having fun in the sun in the parks). Sure, it might be possible with some advanced planning and of course depending on the showtimes on the day in which you visit (and your kids’ stamina).

Image Courtesy of Disney

Tip 3: Two Shows in One Spot & Dining Packages

You might notice from our “Know Before You Go” tip that two of the nighttime spectaculars are offered almost back to back. We highly recommend arriving early for the parade and planning on staying in that spot all the way until the fireworks are over. The masterminds behind the Disney Parks parades and spectaculars have reported that guests in different areas of the park will have unique and immersive experiences based on where they are watching from. For example, those watching Disneyland Forever from the Rivers of America will see and experience different projections and lights than those who are watching from “it’s a small world.” While different areas of the park will offer different vantage points and theming, we suggest getting a seat either along Main Street U.S.A. or near “it’s a small world” for the best view of Sleeping Beauty’s Castle once the Paint the Night parade is over. Be sure to arrive along the parade route early to stake out a good spot.

The best way to get a prime viewing spot for World of Color is to get a FASTPASS, especially for those guests with young children. There are two options for obtaining a FASTPASSES at Disney’s California Adventure. The first is to head over to the FASTPASS kiosk near Grizzly River Rapids (as early in the day as possible), and the second is to book a World of Color Dining Package. Booking a dining package is a great way not only to get a yummy meal but also to obtain a voucher to one of the best World of Color viewing areas. Participating restaurants include Ariel’s Grotto, Carthay Circle Restaurant, and Wine Country Trattoria. Reservations are required and can be made up to 6o days in advance. This option ensures that guests get a great viewing spot and don’t have to hassle with getting right to a FASTPASS kiosk upon arriving at the park.

Although not new to the Resort, Fantastic! is a long-time guest favorite and if you want to see that show, you can also book a dining package or get a FASTPASS, just like World of Color. It is also a prime location for viewing fireworks (more on that below).

Some other things to think about as you consider the nighttime spectacular:

While it may seem POSSIBLE to see all World of Color, Paint the Night and the Fireworks all in one night, keep in mind that the see of humanity trying to get from one park to the other on crowded nights can be a bit overwhelming and make it quite difficult to get from Disneyland to Disney California Adventure (or visa versa) if you are on a tight schedule.

If you are opting to get FASTPASSES for World of Color or Fantasmic!, keep in mind you need to get them as early in the day as possible–especially if you want to see the first show of the day. That being said, if you are getting those FASTPASSES early in the morning, you run a bigger risk of the kids pooping out before showtime. You’ll definitely want to schedule a nap. Another thing to note is that a parent/member of your party can’t just go into the park and get FASTPASSES for everyone while the rest of the family sleeps in in the hotel. The tickets getting FASTPASSES must have been used for park admission. Also remember that FASTPASSES for World of Color and Fantasmic! don’t “count against you” and you can still get FASTPASSES for other attractions as normal.

If you really want to see Fantasmic!, keep in mind that you can also watch fireworks from the Fantasmic! viewing area where the Disney geniuses will utilize the water screens from the show for incredible projections themed with the fireworks show.

In a perfect world, you really need two (if not three) nights to enjoy the nighttime entertainment.

One night for World of Color and for some family fun at the Mad T Party–both at Disney California Adventure.

One night to see Paint the Night (and the fireworks) inside Disneyland.

One night to see Fantasmic! at Disneyland (if you want to see the fireworks, you will need to see the first show of the night and then stay afterward).

Tip 5: Gear Up & Don’t Be Afraid to Split Up

When traveling with young children the difference between exhausted melting down kiddos and content happy kiddos could be as simple as what you travel with. Bringing or renting a stroller would be especially helpful for naps and carrying blankets, snacks, warm changes of clothes, and sweatshirts. To help pass the time when waiting for the shows to start consider packing an age appropriate game or activity such as cards, stickers, or a color book. You can also pass the time by eating dinner curbside with take-out from your favorite park restaurant. Also, be sure to have your phone or camera charged and ready to capture all of the magic.

And when it comes to that long wait, don’t be afraid to layout out your blanket (and such) and have one adult wait and hold your spot while another takes the kids on rides.

Which nighttime spectacular are you most excited to experience? Let us know in the comments below or via the Babes in Disneyland Facebook page.

Just a few of “it’s a small world” Holiday’s more than 300,000 twinkling lights

The holiday season is in full swing at the Disneyland Resort and the parks and hotels could not be more beautifully decorated.

Have you ever wondered just how many ornaments adorn the Main Street U.S.A Christmas Tree or how many poinsettias are planted throughout the parks? We’ve got the inside scoop on all things Christmas decor and the numbers will amaze you.

Gorgeous Poinsettias Surround The Partners statue

Main Street U.S.A.’s Christmas Tree and Garland

At Disneyland Park:

On Main Street, U.S.A., nearly 79,000 ornaments, more than 2,000 feet of garland and nearly 10,000 lights deck the thoroughfare with holiday cheer. In addition, more than 7,400 feet of ribbon decorate Main Street, U.S.A. That’s more than 1.4 miles of ribbon to make more than 800 bows!

Approximately 1,800 ornaments adorn the nearly 1,200 branches of the 60-foot Christmas tree at Main Street, U.S.A. It’s a favorite holiday photo spot.

The façade of “it’s a small world” Holiday features more than 300,000 twinkling lights. Bringing the global celebration of the Holidays to life are roughly 150,000 lights that illuminate the interior of the attraction.

A 14-foot snowman wishes guests “Happy Holidays” at “it’s a small world” Holiday.

The “Cars” characters of Radiator Springs have special décor in Cars Land that reflect their personalities. Sally’s cone tree at the Cozy Cone Motel is 9 feet tall.

More than 50 dancers and performers bring the “Disney ¡Viva Navidad! Street Party” to life at Disney California Adventure Park.

Olaf, the huggable snowman from Disney’s “Frozen,” plays along in “World of Color – Winter Dreams” as 6 “snowflake makers” create the giant, floating snowflakes in the viewing area. Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” also appear in scenes on the mist screen.

Olaf in “World of Color – Winter Dreams”- Photo Courtesy of Disney

Evan and the Grand Californian Christmas Tree

At the Disney Hotels:

Under the tree at Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa, 52 presents are wrapped and waiting to be opened.

A talented team of 25 artists, engineers and bakers created the new gingerbread house in the lobby of Disney’s Grand Californian Hotel & Spa. The house is 7 ½ feet tall and 12 feet wide, with more than 500 pounds of gingerbread and 60 gallons of frosting and icing.

Which figure surprised you the most?? We’re still reeling from the nearly 79,000 ornaments on display on Main Street U.S.A. If you haven’t already, we hope you’re able to visit the Disneyland Resort this holiday season to check out all of the amazing decor. Happy #DisneyHolidays!

November 13th marked the kick-off of the holiday season at The Disneyland Resort, which will continue through January 6, 2015, and promises to have plenty for the whole family to enjoy!

To kick off the start of Disneyland’s Just Got Merrier holiday makeover, The Disneyland Resort hosted a special lighting ceremony of the “it’s a small world” holiday overlay.

The current Disneyland Ambassador, Sachiko White (pictured above, left), hosted the ceremony and invited Vice President of The Disneyland Resort, Mary Niven, on stage to speak briefly on the many offerings that Guests can experience this holiday season.

At Disneyland, there’s Sleeping Beauty’s Winter Castle, “it’s a small world” and Holiday, Haunted Mansion Holiday and the “Jingle Cruise” that has set sail in Frontierland. Over at Disney California Adventure, Mary mentioned that “World of Color – Winter Dreams” would return, as well as Disney Viva Navidad celebration. Both parks will be decked out in holiday flowers, colors, and decorations. Learn more about

After Mary’s presentation, and with the help of Siemens (a proud sponsor of Disney since 2005) and City of Hope, one of the country’s leading research and treatment centers for diabetes, cancer, and other life-threatening diseases, Sachido then invited the Gallardo family from Orange County on stage with a few Disney friends. Daughter Maya was the recipient of a life-saving stem cell transplant from her brother Aaron at the City of Hope eleven years ago. With the help of Mickey, Goofy, and Pluto, The Gallardo family ushered the holiday season into the Disneyland Resort with a flip of a switch, lighting the “it’s a small world” holiday attraction.

Watch this heartfelt moment! (Sorry for the small camera glitch in the middle!)

The Gallardo family answered questions after the ceremony, including what their Christmas wish would be this year. Mayra Gallardo responded, “This is our Christmas wish,” referring to the opportunity to have her family all together in one place, celebrating at The Disneyland Resort and being treated like a celebrity. Her sister chimed in, “Yeah – our Christmas wish came true – to be famous!”

Then, the beautifully lit “it’s a small world” attraction became a wonderful backdrop for the 2014 Christmas Fantasy parade. As Lisa mentioned in her blog post earlier this month, the holidays were going to get a bit “Frozen.” This year, “A Christmas Fantasy Parade” celebrates its 20th anniversary by welcoming Anna and Elsa from “Frozen” into the cast. The float, which is similar to the one from the Soundsation Pre-Parade, makes an appearance among the other 100-plus parade performers that also include Mickey Mouse, Minnie Mouse and Santa Claus! If you’re a fan of the parade, you’ll notice some changes to A Christmas Fantasy Parade. Check out the photo recap below!

First float of the evening

Toy soldiers – a familiar site at the Christmas parade

Minnie and Mickey Mouse now reside on a festive float

Dancing snowmen are still around, but no skating snowflakes

Tigger is enjoying his sled

A very “Frozen” Christmas tree

Snow flakes now replaced with these ladies on skates

Anna and Elsa heading up the front of their parade float

Gingerbread Men

Goofy and Pluto on their own sweet tent

Anastasia, Druzilla, and Lady Tremaine make a boisterous appearance

The Royal Float – so divine!

Geppetto, Pinocchio, and Jiminy Cricket

Buzz Lightyear

Wrapping up the parade with Santa Claus!

Hope you enjoyed this first glimpse at the holidays in 2014 at Disneyland! Tell us! Are you planning a trip to the Parks this holiday, and are you excited for the season at The Disneyland Resort?

Let's Connect

About Babes In Disneyland

Babes In Disneyland combines the best of everything the Disneyland Resort and Walt Disney Company has to offer families with young children and Disney fans alike, in addition to providing reviews and information on the latest travel products, Southern California destinations and lodging options and much more for families.